Local Wildlife

Overview

Flower Mound is a natural habitat for wildlife such as snakes, raccoons, possums, skunks, bobcats, coyotes, and foxes. The Animal Services Division provides educational materials regarding each of these animals. Contact Animal Services at 972.874.6390 for questions or further help dealing with wildlife. For more information on wildlife identification, download the Flower Mound's wild neighbors information sheet.

Raccoon, Opossum, and Skunk

If any of these animals create a nuisance by digging up plants, getting into garbage, or causing other property damage try the following solutions:

Remove any items or food sources that may be attracting the animal. Such as trash, pet food, water bowls, and birdseed.

Evict from attics by using bright lights and loud noises, or place ammonia soaked rags in the attic to drive them out. Once evicted, repair and secure the animal’s entrance to the attic.

Evict from sheds, under houses, and decks by placing ammonia soaked rags or fox urine under the structure. Use flour or soft dirt to determine the animal’s activity. If the animal is absent secure the entry with metal or wood. Repellents are best applied in the evening to encourage the animal to leave and not return.

If necessary animal services can provide you with a live trap in order to remove the animal. Contact the adoption centers main line for more information at 972.874.6390.

Snakes

Although most snakes in Texas are not venomous, avoid handling them unless you have been properly trained.

Wear long pants and boots when in areas with tall grass or areas known to have snakes.

Keep landscape areas free of weeds.

Be aware of your surroundings when hiking and biking. Keep a look out for snakes that may be on the trails or on rocks.

If a snake is in your house or yard during normal business hours and you still have the snake in sight, call animal services and an officer will be dispatched to attempt to capture and identify the animal. If a snake is found in the yard after normal business hours animal services recommends leaving it alone. Animal Services will not respond to snakes in the yard after normal business hours. If a snake is found in your home call animal services and an officer will be dispatched. If it is after normal business hours call 972.539.0525.

Coyotes, bobcats, and foxes

These animals are native to this area and cause little or no threat to humans. However, if you allow your pet to roam, especially at night, your pet could be seen as prey to these animals. Do not attempt to approach or pet these animals. Foxes and coyotes are high risk for rabies and could be ill. If the animal is showing signs of illness, such as, paralysis, difficulty walking or standing, chattering of teeth, or friendliness, call animal services to report its location. It is not unusual to see one of these animals darting across a road during early morning hours and early evening. These animals are not nocturnal and are usually on the hunt during these hours.

If one of these animals are in your yard you may attempt to scare them off from a distance by banging pans together, spraying them with a water hose, or throwing a rock or stick at them. Do not try and approach them, if the animal doesn’t leave report it to animal services.